Valentina Beli is a Belarusian Fashion Model, Handbag designer and Influencer. Over the years she has modeled for brands including Chanel, Tory Burch and Gucci just to name a few. Today we had the opportunity to chat with her…
What have you learned as a fashion model over the years? What advice would you give to your younger self?
As a fashion model I have learned that your look, your beauty, or your measurements don’t influence your career. You can’t rely on your physical appearance only. There is a lot of luck, hidden reasons, and whatever is also behind every successful story. So my best advice would be: don’t compare. You don’t know the story and the cost of success. You only know what you are allowed to know. Try your best but don’t try too hard.
You have worked with many powerhouse brands over the years including Chanel, Gucci, Tory Burch, and more. What brands are next on your bucket list?
Yes, I was very fortunate to work with so such prestigious brands. Does the Calvin Klein billboard in SoHo sound very confident?
To be a face for a well-known beauty brand is my goal too. I adore the skincare routine, I know a lot about it. And the work for my favorite brand will reflect my lifestyle. What brand is it? I can’t say, I love a lot of skincare brands and cosmetics.
You have had great success in modeling. To date, you have modeled for brands including Tory Burch, Mango, Swarovski, Free People, Gucci, Chanel, Samsung, and more. Was there a turning point where your followers started to grow exponentially or were was it gradual?
Thanks so much for mentioning that. It is always a pleasure to work with big names. It’s like a statement for your resume. The growth of followers was gradual. I worked in different countries a lot, different markets. Almost every day I meet so many people. And it’s very natural and organic growing. They follow me after our meeting or work.
What has been your favorite modeling job to date and why?
It’s hard to say honestly, but I enjoyed the fashion shoot for the L’Officiel cover story. We had a creative and very high-end campaign shoot for Dee Ocleppo (the wife of Tommy Hilfiger). Also, it is always a pleasure to shoot with L’Oreal, Redken, Moroccan Oil. . I have good memories from the shoot for Grande Cosmetics and Bobby Brown. . As I said I’m very fortunate to meet amazing people everywhere and I truly enjoy every single shoot or runway show.
What 3 tips do you have for an aspiring fashion model?
You can usually improve your self-confidence but you can’t force people to like you. You can turn a failure into a lesson and a success into humbleness. You can improve your artistic skills, your knowledge, your kindness. It will help you to be a better version of yourself.
What apps do you use to edit your photos on Instagram?
I’m trying to take selfies in good light to avoid any postproduction. But sometimes I add a bit of saturation with VSCO.
What Social Media Platforms are you currently on?
I’m on Instagram @valentinabeli
I’m running my fashion label KOPF. It’s presented on Instagram @kopf_bags and TikTok @kopf.bags.
What do you think are some top social media trends to watch in 2021?
I’m not sure what are top social media trends but I love to see makeup videos, dance videos, and outfit changes as well.
How do you think Instagram has impacted the fashion modeling industry?
Instagram has an enormous influence on the fashion modeling industry. Before getting hired a client will check your feed. I understand that this option saves a lot of time. You can guess if a model has the right look and right vibes for the set., Bbut I don’t really like this tendency. First of all, not every model is a skilled marketing or PR manager. Some of them are very artistic, vulnerable, antisocial persons. Some of them don’t know or don’t show their personality on social media. It doesn’t mean that they are bad models. They can be very professional during a shoot. But they don’t want to be 24/7 sociable, ready to work happy models. Can you feel this difference?
What is your current skincare routine?
As I said before I adore the a skincare routine. First of all, make sure to clean the face before applying any cream or mask. I use moisturizer in the morning and retinol cream in the evening. I use SPF from March till November, I’m a bit crazy about it, lol. Any sheet mask will work great if you relax, listen to your favorite music or podcast, and breath deeply for 10 minutes.
What 3 products can you not live without?
My phone. All my life, work, communication is here there.
My headphones. They let me avoid any conversation if I’m not in the mood, lol.
You can follow Kopf bags on Instagram & follow Valentina on Instagram